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Old 07-29-2019, 10:01 AM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
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I Just got a 2002 Chevy 3500 Bus!

Recently retired from school service, just found it, think I got a decent deal.

It's got a 6.5 v8 Diesel, though. Everyone seems really, really hesitant on these and says they need a lot of work to be viable.

I've even seen some lists saying they require a TON of aftermarket mods to make it viable.

What should I do, immediately, to make this thing viable long term?

TYIA!

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Old 07-29-2019, 10:03 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by GhostOutlaw View Post
Recently retired from school service, just found it, think I got a decent deal.

It's got a 6.5 v8 Diesel, though. Everyone seems really, really hesitant on these and says they need a lot of work to be viable.

I've even seen some lists saying they require a TON of aftermarket mods to make it viable.

What should I do, immediately, to make this thing viable long term?

TYIA!
They're decent enough. Under powered would probably be the main complaint folks have about them. Relocate the engine's computer as the factory location cooks it.
Could do a lot worse, imo.
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Old 07-29-2019, 10:07 AM   #3
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Actually, power isn't my concern. It's for long hauls.

I'll have to look into this computer relocation. Heat is a concern, especially with it's first trip already on the books!
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Old 07-29-2019, 10:11 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by GhostOutlaw View Post
Actually, power isn't my concern. It's for long hauls.

I'll have to look into this computer relocation. Heat is a concern, especially with it's first trip already on the books!
Lot of info on the web on that. Doesn't seem to be too bad a job.
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Old 07-29-2019, 10:13 AM   #5
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Is this the fuel pump driver? Or is this something else? I want to get this done ASAP if that's the case. Any further information would be great. As you can tell, I'm totally new. Don't even have the bus in possession yet.
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Old 07-29-2019, 10:18 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by GhostOutlaw View Post
Is this the fuel pump driver? Or is this something else? I want to get this done ASAP if that's the case. Any further information would be great. As you can tell, I'm totally new. Don't even have the bus in possession yet.
YEah that's it the PMD relocation.
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Old 07-29-2019, 10:37 AM   #7
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Thanks! This is super useful!

I will get right on this!
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Old 07-29-2019, 11:48 AM   #8
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Thanks! This is super useful!

I will get right on this!
according to GM mechanics, one of the common problems with the 6.5 is getting the case that holds the air intake filter sealed properly - the slightest leak lets dust in that is directed to piston #8 - only takes a few miles of driving after that happens and you're blowing black smoke and diesel fuel every where
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Old 07-29-2019, 11:59 AM   #9
Mini-Skoolie
 
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THIS! HOLY ****.

I'm literally taking this to the dustiest place in the world on it's first trip. So....any thoughts on this?
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:07 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
They're decent enough. Under powered would probably be the main complaint folks have about them. Relocate the engine's computer as the factory location cooks it.
Could do a lot worse, imo.
Is that on the left fender like my 07?
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:09 PM   #11
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THIS! HOLY ****.

I'm literally taking this to the dustiest place in the world on it's first trip. So....any thoughts on this?
Wear goggles and bring Kleenex?
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:09 PM   #12
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For the busses, not me! Lol!
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:14 PM   #13
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Is that on the left fender like my 07?
yes .................... left as you are looking at it under the hood
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:15 PM   #14
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For the busses, not me! Lol!
Humvees have the same engine as your bus and they seem to do ok in dry dusty environments.
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:18 PM   #15
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For the busses, not me! Lol!
You aren’t going to keep all the dust out. You’ll be cleaning that up forever after.

But you can try. I think I’d seal the windows with Mylar and double sided tape. Hardware stores have those window insulation kits. Of course you can’t suffocate in your bus. Maybe a few windows with furnace filters?
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:29 PM   #16
Mini-Skoolie
 
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I mean for the intake, which you referred to leaks.
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:37 PM   #17
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I mean for the intake, which you referred to leaks.
Put a premium air filter in it and have a spare. Make sure all the intake ducts are properly connected. After you get there, check the filter condition and replace if necessary
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:42 PM   #18
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Originally Posted by Sleddgracer View Post
yes .................... left as you are looking at it under the hood
In the 07 it’s on the driver’s side but it’s no better there. Why couldn’t they have put it under the dash?
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Old 07-29-2019, 12:59 PM   #19
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I mean for the intake, which you referred to leaks.
Duct tape if all else fails?
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Old 07-29-2019, 06:26 PM   #20
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And Gorilla Tape for when the duct tape takes wing...
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